Samsung NX500 vs Samsung PL120

Lets look much closer at the Samsung NX500 and Samsung PL120, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both are created by Samsung. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the NX500 (28MP) and PL120 (14MP) and the NX500 (APS-C) and PL120 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NX500 was launched 4 years after the PL120 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the NX500 matches up against the PL120 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung NX500 and Samsung PL120. The complete galleries are available at Samsung NX500 Gallery and Samsung PL120 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung NX500 provides external measurements of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Samsung PL120 has dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Examine the Samsung NX500 and Samsung PL120 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the NX500 against the PL120.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NX500 and PL120 is 87 and 99 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through specs. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the NX500 and PL120.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The NX500 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Samsung NX500 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent NX500 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.